Boerne to host Destinations Texas winter conference; bureau pursuing events and partnerships including Firefighters Games bid

Boerne tourism staff told the board the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus has been rebranded as Destinations Texas and that Boerne will host the Destinations Texas winter conference in January, a smaller educational event expected to draw roughly 150to175 attendees.

Presenter, a staff member, said the Fort Worth conference drew about 350 to 400 people and described the local hosting opportunity as an educational and promotional benefit for the bureau. "This winter in January, we will be hosting Destinations Texas Winter Conference," the Presenter said.

The bureau also reviewed recent and upcoming events and partnerships: attendance at the Texas Bridal Summit in San Antonio; Tori Bellows being sworn in as chair of the Texas Hill Country Trail board; collaborations with the Boerne VFW Post 688 for a gala; a craft-brewers meeting proposed for the Bevy Hotel; a seminar with Edward Jones Financial; and hosting the National Honor Guard Academy program. Staff said they are working on a "really, really big piece of business" with the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association that is in final legal review and could be a first-of-its-kind program for small destination marketing organizations.

Staff reported submitting a bid to host the Texas Firefighters Summer Games in 2027, estimating attendance of about 800 participants and noting the games require multiple local venues (golf at Buckhorn or Tapatio, bowling at the Rim, power lifting at the Bevy Hotel, darts at a local bar).

On staffing and community programs, staff praised summer intern Abby Welborn and reported that Jeanette completed the citys LEAD program; Jeanettes capstone project, "Pennies for Power," would allow rounding up utility bills to assist residents who cannot pay, and staff said the city plans quick implementation.

The bureau also described a new Texas tourism think tank of six statewide practitioners to monitor macroeconomic trends and test forward-looking strategies; the first meeting is slated for November. Staff said they are exploring pilot programming with the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and continuing mentorship and training efforts for local hotel sales staff.

Less urgent details: staff updated the board on routine collaborative events and thanked volunteers and interns; no new contracts or budget actions were proposed during the meeting.

Provenance: first mention of Destinations Texas rebrand and hosting is recorded at 00:25:41; the Firefighters Games bid and related event pipeline discussion last appear at 00:31:03.